Sunday, February 7, 2021
Jjajangmeong
Sunday, January 17, 2021
sometimes it takes a little silence to drown out all the noise...
With all the chaos the last year has brought on, I find myself overwhelmed and withdrawing from the constant craziness. The polarization of our nation and even the people in my life is draining after a year of isolation and heavy current events. My friend Lyndsay and I planned at the beginning of the year to take advantage of the later sunrises to get out and take in some of the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Logistics allowed this weekend to work best for the both of us, and I couldn't be more grateful. Not only was the week so heavy with everything on Capitol Hill, but it was the most stunning sunrise I think I've ever seen. Our initial plan fell through in a few ways, but the day turned out to be so perfect and so refreshing. We decided that God just wanted to give us a little treat after all the ugliness of winter and egos and all the things.
The babies I watch LOVE pinecones, but they always call them "KINEcones"! Haha, I couldn't resist. |
Saturday, January 9, 2021
21 for 2021
I have read 1 + 3/4 of Gretchen Rubin's books and probably a dozen of her blog posts, I'm not quite a 'fan girl', but I do really appreciate her perspective and delivery of concepts. Anyone who can get me acting and not just thinking is a winner in my book.
For the last two years, I've picked a 'Word of the Year' rather than shoot for a New Year's Resolution, it's been so much more fruitful, holy cow.
In 2018 I experienced more grief and change than I think I ever have at one time before, my life felt so overwhelmingly chaotic, so I chose simplify as my word of the year - it's currently my favorite of the two words I've chosen... :)
Just as 2019 came to a close, I ended a long, painful, unhealthy relationship - I hadn't been caring well for myself, which made it hard to properly care for others, so my choice of word for 2020 was simply: this. As in, this (me, my heart, my person) was what I needed to focus on and care for in each decision and moment. We all know 2020 was a loaded cannon, and while my word was helpful and nourishing... I think I still have a sour taste in my mouth from 2020... that word may have been more fruitful in another setting, but we're marching on, it's 2021, babay!
BOUNDARIES. This is my word for 2021. Last year I wanted the word, "rhythm", but a wise and respected friend suggested I consider something more fun... Having put it off last year, "rhythm" was at the top of my list again for 2021, but there have been things that I've been working on where boundaries will be more helpful and concrete. Having a word of the year gives me direction when I'm choosing books to read and focusing on how to honor and nourish my soul. I'm hoping practicing boundaries and having some practical goals to accomplish will make for a really fruitful 2021, regardless of what's happening in the world.
Okay, so back to Gretchen Rubin. In her Happiness Project, she challenges readers to create their own "Secrets of Adulthood" and personal "Commandments", challenging me to think of what matters most to me and what breathes life and joy into my life was such a gamechanger - I hadn't realized how much was (and, often, still is!) lacking in my life! But the thing I realized is that it's hard to change what's not working if you're unaware of the issue... if you don't know what you're lacking, how can you make room for more of it? SO, with my own personal commandments and secrets of adulthood in mind, here is my list of 21 for 2021 - lists give me the momentum of accomplishment and there will be a heavy dose of joy to check into for 2021. I am trying to be fairly specific in hopes that the lack of ambiguity will help me to jump in and mark things off more readily.
1. Read through the Bible.
2. Drink 64+ ounces of water each day.
3. Have a solo retreat in Hood River.
4. Save $15k+ for down-payment.
5. Try a new recipe each month! (January's is: jajangmyeon! I will have to master it because I have a kilo of the concentrated staple ingredient... HA!
6. Write more! Blog at least once a month and work through online memoir class.
7. Use "America the Beautiful" pass 3+ times.
8. Visit Crater Lake.
9. Limit book shopping to 2 each month. (Book club and a possible bonus - this feels more attainable to me than cold turkey!)
10. Take (at least) four spontaneous beach trips!
Saturday, August 8, 2020
'The Happiness Project'
- The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling.
- You don't have to agree with everyone.
- It's okay to feel uncomfortable.
- Half-assing often leads to something good, if not great.
- You can sleep when you die, but you'll live more if you capitalize on it now.
- If you can't give an enthusiastic "hell, yes!", then "no" is actually a kind alternative.
- Sharing what you're learning boosts your happiness and connects you with others.
- It's okay to ask for help.
- You make more friends by being interested in others than by trying to get them interested in you.
- Remembering and using names has a lasting impact.
- If you're not failing, you're probably not trying/learning/growing.
- Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good.
- What's fun for other people may not be fun for you - and vice versa.
- The best way out is always through.
- How we think not only affects our own spirit, soul, and body but also people around us.
- We have to feel in order to deal so we can heal.
- You can do anything, but not everything... that's okay!
- If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it.
- Creativity can pull you out of the worst moods!
Saturday, January 19, 2019
New Year, New Lessons
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Celebrating and Grieving
The struggle of taking an ussie with three savages. |
Slumber parties are a non-negotiable when LaLa comes home. xo |
I can't get enough of this photo. I want to hang it everywhere so I can see their darling smiles and personalities everywhere I look. |
My two favorite Hanson men on my most very favorite coast! |
Just south of Cannon Beach looking south down the coast. |
My favorite coffee stop since 2006. I need to go back to get the barista's full story, she's from the midwest too! |
Happy Daddy. |
Leif's over pictures. He should realize how many I held back on. Shoot. |
So freakin' excited to share such a special place with my favorites! |
I am so undeniably blessed. I live in one of the most gorgeous areas of the world. I need to soak it up more often. |
Big man in a tiny tub!! |
Saturday, September 15, 2018
You know, details.
Our world is constantly changing. Yes, history repeats itself, but each generation has its own strange new quirks to navigate and we don't always know how to encourage each other on this journey. I went to this conference with an expectation of direction and clarity. I walked away with confirmation that even when life is difficult and feels too tough to handle, there are people who are going through something entirely different, but equally as hard and as crazy as it is to wrap my mind around, we're both going to make it through the storm stronger than when we entered it. I am eager to be wiser and be able to encourage others in seasons with similar struggles, but for now, I just appreciate those who have learned how to use their voice to encourage, empower, and build others up. Just trying to flex those muscles more and more so I can do the same.
xo